Virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional printing for the treatment of comminuted zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture.

OBJECTIVE

the objective of the study is to evaluate the interest of advanced computer technology, including virtual surgical planning, three-dimensional modeling and pre-bended titanium plate and mesh in the treatment of comminuted zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A total of 19 patients were included. In the study group (n=6) surgery was combined with preoperative planning including mirroring and bending of the titanium plates and mesh on a 3D model. In the control group (n=13) plates and mesh were bended on the patient during the surgery. Patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, orbital volumes, zygoma projection and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

After surgery, the orbital volume and the zygoma projection variations between injured side and unaffected side were compared. Orbital volume variation was 2.1mL [1.5; 4.0] in the control group and 0.4mL [0.1; 1.0] in the study group. Zygoma projection variation was 0.2cm in the control group and 0.1cm in the study group. Orbital volume restoration (P=0.004) and zygoma symmetrisation (P=0.04) were significantly better when titanium plates and meshes were pre-bent on a stereolithographic model.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the interest of surgical planification using 3D models to improve treatment of midface trauma.